Best Small Vans to Buy in 2025

26/08/2025 12:15 Share

Best Small Vans to Buy in 2025

When is small actually big? When you’re referring to small vans, of course – in fact, small vans are a big deal in the commercial vehicle industry, so which are the best small vans on the market right now?

It’s fair to say the term ‘small van’ is a touch misleading. Sure, if you placed our vans alongside one another, you’d be able to identify which are the smallest models there.

And yet, while they may be ‘small’ on the outside, they are anything but on the inside. In fact, while the external dimensions will rightly have you believe they are no larger than an average compact hatchback, step inside and you’ll find cavernous load bays capable of swallowing vast quantities of cargo.

Such expert packaging makes small vans immensely popular with urban-based businesses which appreciate easy manoeuvrability and lower running costs without sacrificing space.

It is therefore little wonder that this is one of the most competitive segments in the commercial vehicle industry with multiple models vying for your attention – but which are the best small van lease options around right now?

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How Big Is a Small Van?

Small vans are predominantly available with the choice of L1 and L2 body configurations, though they may be referred to differently according to each manufacturer.

The load sizing guide of a van is determined by the length at floor between the bulkhead and the door, as demonstrated below, as well as the entire cargo volume measured in cubic metres.

Which Engine Is Best for a Small Van?

- Turbodiesel

Turbodiesel engines are the most commonplace choice for small vans and are thus widely available across the sector. Diesel engines are renowned for strong torque lower in the rev range, making it ideal for hauling heavy payloads, and delivering superior fuel economy

- Petrol

A handful of popular small van options – including the Ford Transit Courier, Renault Kangoo and Nissan Townstar – are available with the option of a petrol engine. More affordable than diesel to buy, they are also cleaner and more efficient in lower speed environments such as cities and towns.

- Electric

With zero exhaust emissions and requiring only the cost of recharging either at home or with a public device, electric small vans greatly reduce running costs and are significantly kinder to the environment.

- Plug-in Hybrid

Often paired with a petrol engine, plug-in hybrids offer the best of both worlds with a small battery unit enabling up to 70 miles of driving on electric power alone (Ford Transit Connect PHEV, Volkswagen Caddy eHybrid), while retaining the reassurance of engine power too.

Top 5 Best Small Vans in 2025

Citroen Berlingo
Peugeot Partner
Vauxhall Combo
FIAT Doblo

Already four of the most enduring popular models in the small van category, today the Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Partner, Vauxhall Combo and FIAT Doblo are spun off the same small van platform developed by parent company, the Stellantis Group.

The quartet are entirely identical with exception of different front-end designs and badging, but whichever brand you opt for, you’re sure to get a well thought out, practical small van.

While among the smaller vans in terms of external dimensions, the Berlingo, Partner, Combo and Doblo open-up to reveal one of the largest load bays in the class, complete with special touches like a load-through hatch to extend the space. Some models also offer payload of more than a tonne, while there is also the option of three seats.

Moreover, they come with a choice of frugal turbodiesel or an electric powertrain capable of up to 213 miles of range, while they are car-like to drive and offer generous standard equipment levels. All models come with the choice of medium or extended length body styles.

With such comparable strengths, picking one of the four options will come down to whether you live closer to a particular brand’s dealership, though your model can be serviced at any Stellantis marque’s base.

VERDICT: Compact yet with class-leading cargo space and payload make any one of the Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Partner, Vauxhall Combo or FIAT Doblo a wise choice

Ford Transit Courier

Sitting below the Ford Transit Connect, the Ford Transit Courier makes an ideal choice for those most likely to remain within the bounds of the city centre, particularly in electric E-Transit Courier trim with its 181 miles of range.

The latest generation – launched in 2024 – debuted a striking new design and a raft of ‘big van’ features, including an 8-inch infotainment screen, 360-degree assist and smart connectivity on some models.

With 2.9 cubic metres of cargo space and up 820kg of payload, the Transit Courier belies its compact shape with impressive practicality, while its nimble chassis and light steering makes it a doddle to park and manoeuvre.

VERDICT: Small in physical size, the Ford Transit Courier nonetheless boasts a very well-thought-out cargo space and feels grown-up behind the wheel

Renault Kangoo

The venerable Renault Kangoo remains one of the most popular small vans and for good reason, lauded for its car-like driving manners and impressive build quality.

Unlike most rivals, the Kangoo is available with the choice of petrol, diesel and electric (Kangoo E-Tech) powertrains, allowing you to select the engine or battery that is best for your business.

Available in MWB and LWB (medium and long wheelbase) trims, the larger of the two presents a class-leading 4.3 cubic metres of cargo space.

VERDICT: Particularly practical in LWB guise, the Renault Kangoo is an excellent all-rounder that offers one of the most car-like driving experiences in the class

Ford Transit Connect
Volkswagen Caddy Cargo

Two mainstays of the small van class, the Ford Transit Connect and Volkswagen Caddy Cargo have joined forces for their latest generation versions.

Available in two sizes – SWB/LWB for the Ford, Cargo/Maxi for the Volkswagen – both offer excellent car-like driving manners and good quality interiors that belie their commercial underpinnings.

They are also spacious, while both models come with the option of a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Comprising a petrol engine mated to a small battery, both models can achieve up to 70 miles of driving on zero emissions electric power alone.

VERDICT: The frugal and versatile plug-in hybrid options make a great alternative for the Ford Transit Connect and Volkswagen Caddy Cargo

Nissan Townstar

While the Nissan Townstar shares its mechanicals with the Renault Kangoo, there are a handful of differentiating features that separate it as a worthy small van option in its own right.

For one, Nissan’s policy of phasing out diesel power from its range sees the Townstar offered in the choice of electric or small capacity petrol engine. The electric Townstar EV is good for 186 miles of range.

Both are designed to make the Townstar efficient in low-speed environments, a trait it complements with a generous load bay (3.3 cubic metres in L1, 4.3 cubic metres in L2 guise), while it also has one of the segment’s most premium interiors.

Moreover, the Townstar benefits from Nissan’s five-year manufacturer’s warranty, unlike the sister Kangoo which makes do with three years.

VERDICT: With a modern, well-built interior and a generous five-year warranty, the efficient Nissan Townstar is a mature option, especially in spacious L2 form

Honorable Mentions

Mercedes-Benz Citan

The Mercedes-Benz Citan is based on the same platform as the Renault Kangoo and Nissan Townstar and therefore enjoys similar qualities on the road as its siblings, not least its availability in L1 and L2 body configurations.

While Mercedes’ interpretation of the chassis means it has a smaller load bay to that of the Kangoo and Townstar, it does get its own upmarket interior design inspired by other models in the German’s marque’s commercial line-up, the Vito and Sprinter.

Maxus Deliver 3

Straddling the margins between what defines a small van and a medium van, the small wheelbase version of the Maxus Deliver 3 puts it in direct competition with the likes of the Citroen Berlingo XL and Ford Transit Connect LWB.

Slenderer than its rivals, the Deliver 3 is therefore ideal for nipping through city streets, while its taller body shape allows for class-leading capacity of 4.8 cubic metres.

It’s also available as electric – the Maxus eDeliver 3 – and is capable of plus-200 miles of range.